Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Position: Senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Duration: 6-12 Months (Contract-to-Hire)

Location: Hybrid - Carmel, IN 46032 (Required in-office Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

Travel: Approximately 50%. Candidates can expect at least one week of travel per month, primarily regional with some international opportunities (e.g., Mexico). A valid passport is required.

About the Role:

Our client, a leading global manufacturing organization, is seeking a highly skilled and intellectually curious Senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer to drive manufacturing excellence and digital transformation. This pivotal role focuses on implementing advanced automation, Industry 4.0 technologies, and process digitization to optimize global operations. The ideal candidate is a lifelong learner and a self-motivated expert in either controls/automation systems or manufacturing business systems (MES), with a strong understanding of how equipment integrates with broader business processes. You will join a small, collaborative team and have a direct impact on strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced fabrication, assembly, and automation processes, including robotics and electronic test platforms.
• Drive digital transformation projects, integrating Industry 4.0 technologies, data analytics, and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) like Ignition, Aveva, or Rockwell.
• Deploy and optimize robotic automation and electronic systems, troubleshooting hardware and communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, RS-232, CAN).
• Support Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and reliability-centered maintenance initiatives to enhance equipment uptime.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to lead capital projects, facility start-ups, and process transitions.
• Analyze manufacturing data from MES and data historians to identify trends and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide technical expertise, troubleshooting, and training to plant operations and maintenance teams.

Must-Have Qualifications:

• Intellectual Curiosity: A demonstrated passion for learning, problem-solving, and understanding how things work.
• Core Expertise: Deep, hands-on expertise in one of two key areas:

1. Controls & Automation: Strong experience with industrial control systems (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens), understanding equipment "under the hood," automation, and electrical systems.
2. Manufacturing Business Systems: Expertise in MES, process digitization, and the integration of shop floor equipment with business-level systems.

• Experience: 5 years in advanced manufacturing, automation, electronics testing, or related fields.
• Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with robotics, automation controllers, PLCs, industrial networks, and/or MES platforms.
• Project Leadership: Proven experience leading complex technical projects from concept through execution.
• Travel & Location: Ability and willingness to travel ~50% and to work onsite in Carmel, IN, three days per week when not traveling. Must be local or willing to relocate to the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Valid passport required for potential international travel.

Education & Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in a Technical Field (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, etc.). In lieu of degree, 10 years of direct, demonstrated experience.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.
• Experience with facility start-ups (greenfield/brownfield) and capital project management.
• Familiarity with implementing AI, Machine Learning (especially computer vision), or Digital Twin concepts in a manufacturing setting is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills.